Microsoft Announces the Worldwide Availability Of Microsoft OEM on the Internet

REDMOND, Wash., April 1, 1997 — PC manufacturers around the world now have unprecedented access to Microsoft® technologies, services and promotions via Microsoft OEM on the Internet, a Microsoft Corp.-sponsored Web site designed exclusively for system builders. This Internet location offers all the information and tools that PC makers need to build, market and sell systems with preinstalled Microsoft products.

The site focuses on the needs of tens of thousands of system builders around the world who license and obtain Microsoft software through distributors. It eliminates the hours they might otherwise spend looking elsewhere for product information, downloadable software, authorized distributors, configuration tips and information on PC industry news, events and promotions. The site is fast and easy to use, saving system builders time in finding tools and information to help them market, sell and support their PC systems. For example, it minimizes graphics so PC makers can quickly access pages, download files and navigate to areas of greatest interest.

Microsoft OEM on the Internet, now open to qualified PC manufacturers around the world, has been called a success by many of the 17,000 PC makers who have already begun using the Web site.

“For the Swiss system builders, Microsoft OEM on the Internet provides a wonderful opportunity to receive firsthand information every day on the inside view from Microsoft, and an easy channel to communicate with Microsoft,” said E. R
ü
timann, member of the board, Contrel AG, H
ü
nenberg, Switzerland. “It is the place to find all the technical and marketing information necessary to help make the businesses here that use the site successful and profitable.”

“Microsoft knows it’s essential to support the business goals of system builders with product information, engineering ideas, marketing opportunities and technical information,” said Debbie Flynn, group program manager at Microsoft. “With Microsoft OEM on the Internet, the winning strategies they need to maximize the PC systems they build are always within reach. PC makers who buy through our distribution channel told us they wanted this solution, and we’ve delivered.”

With Microsoft OEM on the Internet, Microsoft has built an exclusive community for PC makers and assemblers, Microsoft Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) and the Microsoft employees who work with them. The site provides the following:

  • Technical information. PC manufacturers get the latest information on how Microsoft positions new and existing technologies. They save time because the new Web site brings together the most relevant technical information from the thousands of pages on the Microsoft Web site. System builders get preinstallation instructions, data sheets, white papers and more.

  • Marketing, sales and support materials. Registered system builders receive
    up-to-date Microsoft marketing materials, customer research and customizable presentations. These tools help enhance their solutions and solve their customers’ business problems by highlighting the advantages of Microsoft products. They also find out about events and promotions that could affect their business – and how to register to participate in those events.

  • Regular summaries via e-mail. PC makers receive a regular listing of important postings and changes that occur on Microsoft OEM on the Internet, so they can’t miss new developments.

  • Easy account management. Easy account management tools put system builders in full control of their Microsoft OEM on the Internet account. Complete password protection means their accounts can be used only by the people they authorize.

  • Streamlined product delivery. System builders get information about how to obtain Microsoft OEM products. The Web site includes a full listing, with available links, of Microsoft DSPs, making it easy for PC makers to contact and do business with DSPs.

  • Software downloads. A single source for easy location and downloading of product supplements, tools and utilities from Microsoft and others is available to system builders.

  • Interactive communication. PC makers can view multimedia presentations on demand using the Microsoft NetShow
    ™
    server, or participate in live chat sessions. In addition, system builders enjoy an effective, two-way communications channel with Microsoft through the Web site.

“Microsoft OEM on the Internet is proof positive that Microsoft is committed to helping local PC manufacturers succeed,” said John Browning, owner of Witt’s End in Elsah, Ill. “I’ve been using the service for over a month, and I’m very impressed with its information and Microsoft’s keen interest in meaningful two-way communication.”

Microsoft developed the site in response to requests from PC manufacturers. The design of the customer-driven site was refined during focus group testing and usability research.

Microsoft built Microsoft OEM on the Internet using the same scalable, robust system and application software used to support the Microsoft Web site – one of the most popular Web sites in the world, with more than 12 million hits per day – as well as the sites of other leading Internet publishers. The site uses the Microsoft Windows NT® Server network operating system, Microsoft Internet Information Server, Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft SQL Server
™
. Microsoft has employed SSL-enabled security to protect data transmitted on the site.

PC makers can register for access to Microsoft OEM on the Internet on the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/oem/ .

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

Microsoft, NetShow and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Note to editors : If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages

Related Posts